Penguins center Evgeni Malkin skates off the ice in the third period after he was tended to by the team's medical staff. Pittsburgh won 3-1. / Justin K. Aller, Getty Images

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Penguins have confirmed that center Evgeni Malkin will not play in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning because he continues to be evaluated for a possible concussion.

The NHL's reigning MVP left Friday's game against the Florida Panthers in the third period after sliding back-first into the end boards. He took an off-balance check from Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson while driving to the net at high speed. His head appeared to snap back and hit the boards.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Malkin had a bad headache and mild disorientation after the incident.

Malkin did not practice Saturday. According to the Penguins' website, the team is following the concussion protocol.

"There's nothing to expect from this point," Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said. "He's getting evaluated. We're waiting to see how he feels and reacts. He went into the boards pretty darn hard. We're not expecting any timeline to the injury or anything."

Malkin was sprawled on the ice for several minutes after the injury, but he was able to skate to the dressing room under his own power.

The presumption would be that center Brandon Sutter would take Malkin's spot playing alongside top goal scorer James Neal.